When the Pocophone F1 burst onto the market in 2018, it sent shockwaves through the smartphone industry. Priced aggressively under $400, it packed flagship-level specs into a mid-range body. Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy S9 Plus, released earlier that same year, stood as a premium flagship with a price tag exceeding $800. For users caught between these two devices—especially those considering an upgrade from the Pocophone F1 to the S9 Plus—the question remains: was switching really worth it?
This isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about real-world usability, longevity, value for money, and how each phone performs in daily life. Let’s break down the key differences and similarities to determine whether the leap from the Pocophone F1 to the Galaxy S9 Plus delivered meaningful improvements—or if Xiaomi’s budget contender held its own all along.
Performance and Hardware: Flagship Specs vs Premium Build
The Pocophone F1 was powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, the same processor found in the Galaxy S9 Plus. On paper, both phones offered identical processing power. However, real-world performance diverged due to differences in thermal management, software optimization, and RAM configurations.
The Pocophone F1 launched with up to 8GB of RAM and UFS 2.1 storage, which allowed for fast app launches and multitasking. Its liquid cooling system helped sustain performance during extended gaming sessions—a rare feature at its price point. In contrast, the S9 Plus also had 6GB of RAM (8GB in select markets), but Samsung’s tighter hardware-software integration provided smoother animations and better long-term responsiveness.
Where the S9 Plus pulled ahead was in build quality. Constructed with Gorilla Glass 5 and an aluminum frame, it felt more refined and durable. The Pocophone F1, while functional, used polycarbonate plastic, which attracted fingerprints and felt less premium despite its ergonomic design.
Display and Audio Experience
The Galaxy S9 Plus featured a 6.2-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display with HDR10 support. Colors were vibrant, blacks were deep, and outdoor visibility was excellent. The curved edges added a touch of elegance, though some users reported accidental touches.
In comparison, the Pocophone F1 came with a 6.18-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD panel. While colors were accurate and viewing angles were solid, the screen lacked the punch and contrast of Samsung’s AMOLED. It didn’t support HDR, and brightness levels were lower, making it less ideal in direct sunlight.
Audio was another area where the S9 Plus excelled. It retained the 3.5mm headphone jack and delivered stereo sound tuned by AKG, with support for high-resolution audio. The Pocophone F1 also kept the headphone jack and included Dirac HD Sound for audio enhancement, but the overall output lacked the clarity and depth of Samsung’s offering.
“Premium audio and display aren’t just luxuries—they shape how we consume media daily.” — Lena Patel, Mobile UX Analyst
Camera Comparison: Software vs Hardware Advantage
The Galaxy S9 Plus boasted a dual-camera setup: a 12MP main sensor with variable aperture (f/1.5–f/2.4) and a 12MP telephoto lens. This allowed for impressive low-light photography and 2x optical zoom. Samsung’s image processing favored natural tones with strong dynamic range, especially in daylight.
The Pocophone F1, on the other hand, had a single 12MP Sony IMX363 sensor with large 1.4µm pixels and dual-pixel autofocus. While it lacked optical zoom or a secondary lens, its Night mode and AI enhancements helped close the gap in low-light scenarios. In well-lit conditions, photos were sharp and detailed, though they often leaned toward oversaturation.
Video capabilities were similar—both supported 4K at 30fps—but the S9 Plus offered superior stabilization and slow-motion options (up to 960fps). The Pocophone F1’s video performance was decent but inconsistent in motion-heavy scenes.
| Feature | Pocophone F1 | Galaxy S9 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Camera | 12MP (IMX363) | 12MP (Dual Aperture) |
| Secondary Camera | 5MP depth | 12MP telephoto |
| Low-Light Performance | Good (with Night mode) | Excellent (f/1.5 aperture) |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 4K@30fps, 720@960fps slow-mo |
| Front Camera | 20MP | 8MP |
Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency vs Endurance
The Pocophone F1 housed a 4000mAh battery, significantly larger than the S9 Plus’s 3500mAh unit. Combined with the energy-efficient Snapdragon 845 and MIUI’s aggressive background app management, the F1 consistently delivered 1.5 to 2 days of moderate use.
The S9 Plus struggled to last a full day under heavy usage. While Adaptive Battery in One UI helped, the higher-resolution display and heavier software overhead drained power faster. Both phones supported Quick Charge 2.0, but only the S9 Plus offered wireless charging and reverse wireless charging (a novelty at the time).
For users who valued longevity over convenience features, the Pocophone F1 clearly won in this category. The ability to go longer between charges often outweighed the appeal of wireless charging for many.
User Experience and Long-Term Software Support
MIUI on the Pocophone F1 was feature-rich but bloated. Ads in apps, aggressive battery optimizations, and occasional stutters marred the experience. Updates were frequent initially, but Xiaomi eventually slowed support after two major Android upgrades.
Samsung’s One UI (originally TouchWiz/Oreo) was smoother and more polished. The company committed to three years of OS updates and four years of security patches—a significant advantage. Features like DeX, Bixby Routines, and deeper ecosystem integration (with Galaxy Buds, watches, etc.) added long-term value.
Over time, the S9 Plus aged more gracefully. Even in 2023, it could run most modern apps efficiently, whereas the Pocophone F1 began showing signs of slowdown, particularly with newer versions of resource-heavy apps like Instagram and Chrome.
Mini Case Study: Alex’s Upgrade Journey
Alex, a freelance photographer, used his Pocophone F1 for over a year, relying on its battery life and decent camera for client previews. In 2019, he upgraded to the Galaxy S9 Plus, hoping for better image quality and professional tools.
Initially impressed by the display and low-light shots, Alex quickly noticed shorter battery life and missed the F1’s endurance. However, the improved color accuracy, optical zoom, and seamless transfer to his Windows laptop via Link to Windows made the transition worthwhile. After six months, he concluded that while the Pocophone offered better value, the S9 Plus enhanced his workflow enough to justify the cost.
Was Upgrading Really Worth It? A Balanced Verdict
The answer depends on what you value most:
- If you prioritize performance per dollar, the Pocophone F1 remains one of the best value-for-money smartphones ever released.
- If you want premium materials, superior display, and camera versatility, the Galaxy S9 Plus delivers a more refined experience.
- If battery life and raw endurance are critical, the F1 outshines the S9 Plus.
- If long-term software support and ecosystem integration matter, Samsung wins decisively.
Checklist: Is Upgrading from Pocophone F1 to S9 Plus Right for You?
- Are you willing to sacrifice battery life for a better display?
- Do you need optical zoom or improved low-light photography?
- Will you benefit from Samsung’s ecosystem (e.g., Dex, SmartThings)?
- Can you accept a higher price for marginal daily gains?
- Do you plan to keep the phone for more than two years?
FAQ
Did the Pocophone F1 receive Android 10?
Yes, Xiaomi officially rolled out Android 10 with MIUI 11 for the Pocophone F1, though performance varied across regions.
Is the Galaxy S9 Plus still usable in 2024?
Yes, but with limitations. It runs most apps but may struggle with newer games and lacks support for the latest security updates.
Which phone has better gaming performance?
Both have the same chipset, but the Pocophone F1’s larger battery and cooling system give it an edge in sustained gaming sessions.
Conclusion
Upgrading from the Pocophone F1 to the Galaxy S9 Plus wasn’t a clear-cut improvement—it was a trade-off. You gained polish, camera flexibility, and brand prestige, but lost battery stamina and value efficiency. For enthusiasts and professionals, the S9 Plus justified its cost. For everyday users, the Pocophone F1 often proved more than sufficient.
The real lesson here transcends specs: value isn’t just about price or features, but how well a device fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re upgrading now or reflecting on past choices, consider not just what a phone can do, but how it enhances your day-to-day life.
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